Menard Correctional Center – Overview and Information
The Menard Correctional Center is a maximum security state prison located in Menard, Illinois, about 60 miles south of Springfield. It is the only maximum security facility in the state managed by the Illinois Department of Corrections. The prison has a capacity of 1,964 inmates and is unique in that it holds many dangerous inmates with long sentences, many who are likely to die in prison.
Menard houses some of the state’s most violent offenders. It includes general population inmates, death row inmates, and inmates who are in the death penalty phase of their incarceration. As such, the security at Menard is much higher than that of most other facilities in the state. There is an increased police presence, cameras, and a sally port to control inmate movement. Special housing units also provide increased security for those inmates that pose the highest threat.
Menard also offers general educational classes and vocational training programs for inmates. It also provides recreation, medical and mental health programming, and other services. It has a visitation program to allow inmates to interact with family, friends, and approved groups.
Menard is also home to a Death Row, holding inmates who have been sentenced to death by the state of Illinois. No executions take place here, however. All executions by the state of Illinois take place at the Stateville Correctional Center.
The correctional center is a modern facility designed to provide education, mental and medical health services, and opportunity for rehabilitation. All inmates are evaluated upon entry to access their medical, mental health, and programming needs. The prison also provides programming to help inmates prepare for life after being released.
Menard Correctional Center – Classes, Services, and Programs
The Menard Correctional Center is a maximum security prison located in Menard, Illinois. The prison operates on a 24-hour schedule and provides a variety of educational, vocational, and recreational services. The center offers adult education classes ranging from academic achievement to job skill training programs. The corrections center provides educational, life skills, and mental health services, as well as a re-entry program.
The Education Unit of the Menard Correctional Center offers a variety of classes designed to help inmates improve their literacy level and increase their skills in both math and English. Classes are available in basic math, basic English skills, and job readiness skills. In addition, the center offers a re-entry program that offers assistance to inmates who are close to their release date. The program assists them with job-searching, resume building, and finding housing.
In the Vocational Unit, inmates can explore career interests and develop skills that lead to successful employment. The unit offers courses in metal fabrication, electronics, carpentry, printing, and office administration. The center also features recreational services, such as sports teams, an on-site gym, and a library. The library contains books, magazines, video games, and other recreational activities for inmates to use.
The Menard Correctional Center also provides mental health services that range from individual and group counseling sessions to referrals and community resources. Such services help inmates deal with any mental health issues they may be experiencing during their incarceration.
By utilizing the educational, vocational, and recreational programs and services available at Menard Correctional Center, inmates have the opportunity to improve themselves and prepare for successful re-integration into society upon their release.
Inmate visiting application in Menard Correctional Center
Menard Correctional Center is an Illinois Department of Corrections facility located in the town of Menard, about 60 miles south of Springfield. It houses adult male inmates of all security levels, including death row inmates.
Visiting Menard Correctional Center requires that family and friends submit a Visiting Application in advance of their visit. All adult family and friends must fill out a separate application. This can be done either online or by downloading the printable form from the Illinois Department of Corrections website and sending it to the address specified.
When completing the application, the information of both the visitor and the inmate must be provided. This includes each person’s full name, date of birth, a valid email address, and either a mailing address or phone number. The visitor must also provide a valid form of photo identification.
Once the application has been received, the Menard Correctional Center will review the application for accuracy and approve it, deny it, or request for further documentation. If the application is approved, the visitor will be provided with a visiting pass. This pass must be presented to security upon the day of the visit.
Inmates are not allowed any more than two visitors at a time but visitors may visit various inmates during the same visit, provided each inmate has approved their own individual Visitor Application. For safety reasons, all Menard Correctional Center visitors must submit to a search, including being patted down, when entering and exiting the facility.
Visitors must adhere to the dress and language code for the facility and bring no contraband items inside. Upon departure, the visitor must return their pass and be re-checked by security to make sure they are not carrying any illicit items out of the facility.
Menard Correctional Center: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Menard Correctional Center (MCC) is located in Chester, Illinois and is the oldest operating prison in Illinois. It houses approximately 2,200 adult male inmates, most of whom are serving long-term sentences. Since it opened in 1878, it has seen many changes and challenges. Here are answers to frequently asked questions about MCC.
Q: What types of sentences can be served at Menard?
A: Sentences of up to life imprisonment can be served at MCC. Those convicted of first-degree murder or armed robbery can be housed there, as well as offenders who are serving sentences for other offenses.
Q: How does one get into Menard, and what happens once they’re there?
A: Inmates must be referred to MCC from the Department of Corrections when their sentence is finalized. If they meet the security and medical requirements, an assignment is made. While at Menard, inmates will participate in educational, vocational, or employment opportunities. Religious and recreational activities are also available.
Q: What programs are offered at MCC?
A: MCC provides educational, vocational, and employment opportunities to inmates. In addition to formal education, inmates can also earn high school equivalency certificates and two year college degrees. Vocational training is offered in numerous areas, including welding, plumbing, electrical, and computer programming. Employment opportunities are available in a variety of settings in the prison and in the surrounding community.
Q: Are there opportunities for reduced sentences and other benefits?
A: Reduced sentences can be earned through the Re-Entry Program. The program encourages positive attitude and behavior and rewards inmates for demonstrating these qualities. Benefits can include time off for good behavior, increased visitation rights, and early release.
Q: How can people keep in touch with inmates?
A: Family and friends of inmates can keep in touch with inmates via regular mail, telephone calls, and email. Money can be sent to inmates for spending in the facility’s commissary. Gifts certified by the Correctional Industries Department must be sent directly from a third-party vendor, and can include books, magazines, and clothing.
Q: What else should I know about Menard Correctional Center?
A: Visiting regulations are strictly enforced, so visitors should be prepared to show valid identification. Inmates may be moved to other prisons if overcrowding becomes an issue or if
